Any ideas for an interesting entry way for a split entry home?

Question:I know two people who have asked for help with this. They have similar homes and hate the entry way. The entry way has the stairs going up and down likes all splits, but the wall around the stair part of the area is brown paneling - that was installed behind the stairs! The paneling was installed and the stairs built over it, then a piece of trim and then dry wall above. There is a half wall going down the top part of the stairs as a railing and it is ugly (and paneled)- and I think the wall can be removed. So, should the wall be removed, then what - a railing installed that curves around all the way down the stairs. And ... the paneling will be very difficult to remove, but am willing to do it. The parties are stumped on what to put in its place. keep drywall from floor to ceiling? Refinishing the paneling is not an option either family wants to go with. So, fix whats there and make it interesting. Any suggestions or pictures are very much appreciated.

Answers:
I would go with priming the paneling with a grey primer and painting it. I have a raised ranch and did this to my lower level area. It looks great and adds a textured look to the room. It is very hard to get a true idea of what the entry looks like from the description, however I think taking out walls is alot of work.
Good Luck!